And not just because of his height, but also because of his white habit instead of the cardinal's red.
The looks were particularly sceptical when the cardinals entered in red and he - all in white, almost papal - stood between them.
Radcliffe, the Pope?
However, he was not elected as the new head of the Catholic Church at the conclave - instead it was Robert Francis Prevost, Leo XIV.
Radcliffe appeared simply in his white Dominican habit, which he wears every day. This was made possible by the Argentinian Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday this year.
So everything remains white - you might think. But there is a change on another level: Radcliffe turned 80 today. When he reaches this age limit, he will no longer be a pope elector.
The College of Cardinals currently has 248 members, 129 of whom are entitled to vote. Radcliffe was the only papal elector at the conclave in May who had not been ordained a bishop.
Back in 2000, the London-born theologian, clergyman and publicist was considered a possible successor to Cardinal Basil Hume as Archbishop of Westminster - but this never materialised.
A full 24 years later, he was finally "promoted": although he was not appointed bishop, Pope Francis decided to create new cardinals during the World Synod last autumn - including Radcliffe and his brother Jean-Paul Vesco, the Archbishop of Algiers.
Comeback after cancer surgery
From 1992 to 2001, the Englishman Radcliffe was Master General of the Dominican Order and travelled all continents in this role. He published his experiences and thoughts in numerous books and lectures, making him a sought-after speaker and preacher. However, a bout of cancer interrupted his many activities.
But after a serious cancer operation in 2021, he returned stronger and more in demand than ever.
Francis then appointed him as a preacher for the days of reflection before the 2024 World Synod, where Radcliffe spoke with British humour about tensions in the church and prepared the participants - bishops, priests, religious and lay people - for great things: "We are not here to eat a meagre meal, but to enjoy the haute cuisine of the Kingdom of God."
His clarity was not only evident during these days of reflection, but also at the start of the second session of the World Synod: "We need not be afraid of differences of opinion, because the Holy Spirit is at work in them." He also demanded that no one has the right to remain silent during such a synod. But at the same time, everyone must listen, otherwise "we will beat the drums of ideology, be it that of the left or that of the right".
However, he thinks little of mere empty phrases. Anyone who relies solely on God's providence without contributing their own convictions is acting irresponsibly and not in an adult manner.
As with the question of dialogue, Radcliffe also took a stance on the question of the role of women. He repeatedly emphasised that women should take centre stage within the church. "There are so many female theologians, even in the Vatican. That's wonderful!" he once said.
Women and lay people need a more active role in the life of the church. Although he could confirm that clericalism was poisoning the church, he also called for an "attractive and positive theology of the ordained priesthood".
After all, without the active support of the clergy, things could not continue - but this was often lacking.
More debates and differences of opinion
Radcliffe did not avoid sensitive topics either. For example, he paid tribute to homosexual Catholics in committed relationships and wrote in the Vatican newspaper "L'Osservatore Romano" that the challenge for homosexuals - as with all lovers - was to learn to express love appropriately and respect the dignity of others.
In this context, he spoke of a development in church teaching that is being renewed through "lived experience". "Homosexuals are no longer seen only in terms of sexual acts, but as our brothers and sisters who can be blessed according to Pope Francis."
Radcliffe is more than just a name - he stands for a church that discusses openly, allows for differences of opinion and demands debate. He combines all of this with a pinch of humour.
He himself is still amazed at his appointment as cardinal and jokes: "Three and a half years ago, I was seriously ill with cancer and didn't even know whether I would survive an operation. After the operation, I thought I could now have a nice quiet life as a pensioner. But suddenly I'm back in the thick of things. I have no idea what that means for the future. I will serve the Pope, whatever he expects of me."